They say that the true power of the King's Throne lies behind it; that though the King speaks, he does not decide alone what to do. He always has a council, advisers or an apparatus to assist in his decision-making and provide him with the right information and tools to rule. He might not rule well but he could well rule effectively.
Yes, we're talking about tropes again, aren't we? The power behind the throne is always an interesting character or, at least, they have the potential to be, if done well.
Sometimes they are a shadowy fellow with a deceptively harmless appearance, the anonymous manipulator. Once or twice it was even the court jester; you know, the fellow in motley with bells, bad jokes and poor survival instincts. Or, at least, that is how it appeared. The funny idiot persona may well be the perfect 'cover' for a great mind, don't you think?
How about we even reverse that trope a little bit? How about we put an attention magnet on the 'throne', one who really is capable of doing little more than drawing derision and anger in his direction. Of appearing the idiot; entertaining and always knowing exactly when and how to say the exactly wrong thing for maximum effect. He may appear to be the true power of the 'kingdom', the rabble-rousing nutter who has all the other nutters following him but where is the shadow-man behind the throne then?
There always has to be one, right? King can't do proper kinging without someone who got a degree from the School of Manipulative Sycophants and Advisers at his side or behind his back, just waiting for the right moment to stick the knife in, right? Maybe...
What if the real king if the one who keeps to the shadows and, knowing unpopular kings tend to enjoy short careers, wisely avoids unnecessary exposure. He might see kings come and go but remain quite content where he is. No-one remembers him...
"The Last Vice-President; could you tell me what colour were his eyes? Maybe even his name?"
"I...well....ah...brown?" Julian looked at his hands.
"Exactly and that's where the real power lies, mate, in the anonymity to do exactly what you need to without everyone noticing that you're doing it." Asmodeus looked smug.
Some people tend to see our own Asmodeus in this kind of role. They don't seem to realise that the deepest of shadows are the ones he mostly likes; the ones you don't emerge from for any reason, least of all for a public appearance. He is not a secret power or king's adviser; not like that at least...he is no secret ruler, no humble chamberlain who does all the ruling from afar, his cover is much, much deeper than that. Would you like for me to explain it to you ? I, of course, have been told about what he's really up to but maybe he didn't tell me everything...
OK, poor example perhaps? Poor King Charles of Spain was real looker wasn't he? He was also what they'd call a puppet king or lame duck. He wasn't the first and he surely will not be the last. The very public focus of attention for all the wrong reasons; he makes scandalous statements, draws divisive comments and causes no end of fights and battles. A man who is the perfect fool to some and the perfect hero to others. A man (or woman) people will fight to the death over. One who is always in the news and always inspiring conflict. One who can easily be found responsible for everything bad which is happening today. The scapegoat almost? The most objectionable, nasty little example of humanity people could ever imagine is right there doing stupid and wicked things, he's almost asking to be attacked....
Asking to be attacked...nobody remembers the vice-President...what colour are his eyes...what is his name?
In the Preludes of Enoch, Julian and Asmodeus have this same conversation. Asmodeus was telling him about Lucifer's plan regarding Krampus; a shape-shifting German demon who assumes the form of someone - well - important. Only Lucifer has other plans for the fellow. Plans which he only features in for the short term. Lucifer, though, he is up to more that that.
"This is Lucifer! Remember 'as clashing cymbal and tinkling drum'? He doesn't expose himself like that, he doesn't run out in front and get noticed, he's subtle; he's the origin of subtlety! No, he will whisper quietly from the shadows as he always has and he has just found the perfect modern role to do just that..."
Asmodeus again, that man is such a genius, where does he get those brains from? He is not directly part of Lucifer's plan though he is party to it. He is actually part of Lucifer's 'inner circle' and is consulted on many matters of importance. Asmodeus is not shy about giving credit where it is due, either. He will admit that he learned a lot of the skill he now employs from observing Lucifer in action. Regardless of what many may come to think, the little guy admires his brother immensely. To quote him "in order to better a thing, you must choose that which is already considered to be the best, don't you think?", which makes a lot of sense when you think about it.
So, what is the actual point of this little post here today? I think some of you already know, others yet are thinking they need to sign up and read the Preludes in order for this to make more sense. They may well sense that I am hinting here but are my hints complete or even entirely accurate? I know Asmodeus rather well so may well understand how he thinks, Lucifer too...
So what am I saying? I leave you with this quote from Asmodeus which may or may not appear in the Preludes; you're learning I see....
"That's why those wands those magicians use are black and white, why the gloves they wear are white..."
"To draw attention? To make sure we're looking where they want us to..."
"So we watch them, right." he smiled slowly. "Never seeing what they're really up to because then it wouldn't be magic anymore would it?"
"Krampus then, he is..."
"Pure distraction. Lucifer would never share power with anyone, you know that. He'll let that fool caper and chuckle and draw attention but, when he's ready..."
"He'll get rid of him..."
"And then he'll choose his moment to come as saviour of the people..."
"Just like in all those crazy books..."
"Exactly like. Do you think the Creator drove old hermits mad simply for His own entertainment?"
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